Ask your own question, for FREE!
Biology 7 Online
OpenStudy (anonymous):

what is the atomic number, mass and the number of subatomic particles?

OpenStudy (blues):

Only whole atoms - not subatomic particles - have atomic numbers. There are a number of subatomic particles - people typically talk about electrons, protons and neutrons - but those are themselves made up of a plethora of smaller particles called hadrons, which are in turn made up of smaller particles still called quarks. Charm, truth, beauty and strangeness - among others - compose everything we see and touch! These particles do have very small masses - I'm not going to look them all up for you - which vary depending on which particle you're talking about. Additionally, in some very zen way which is obvious to about seven quantum physicists in the world and not quite clear to the rest of us, all these particles are also waves. Electrons and photons have small enough masses that they actually act like waves as well as particles, but the other particles have masses so great relative to their wavelengths that they behave and are typically treated only as particles.

OpenStudy (preetha):

Blues is correct. But it is possible you are thinking of protons and neutrons. None have an atomic number, but protons have a charge of +1, mass of 1 atomic mass unit. Electrons have a charge of -1 and no mass. Neutrons have a charge of 0, and mass of 1 mass unit.

Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!
Can't find your answer? Make a FREE account and ask your own questions, OR help others and earn volunteer hours!

Join our real-time social learning platform and learn together with your friends!